This tribute is dedicated to Jeff Blatnick. As a MMA judge, former UFC commentator and Olympic gold medalist is credited as a pioneer in the ...

This tribute is dedicated to Jeff Blatnick. As a MMA judge, former UFC commentator and Olympic gold medalist is credited as a pioneer in the establishment of modern rules and judging criteria for mixed martial arts. This is where we remember him.

This is the final minute of his gold medal match against Thomas Johansson of Sweden, and Blatnick's memorable emotional post-match interview on ABC (&quot;I'm a happy dude!).

After winning gold, Blatnick was elected to carry the United States flag at Closing Ceremony by his USA teammates. In 1982 Blatnick was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, a form of cancer that attacks the spleen and lymph nodes. After surgery and a series of daily radiation treatments, the cancer was in remission and he resumed trainin